Kings Olajide
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904 – 1996), fondly called “Zik of Africa”, was a Nigerian statesman, nationalist, and the first President of the most populous and popular black nation.
He was born on November 16, 1904, in Zungeru, the present-day Niger State, Nigeria.
He studied in Nigeria and later in the United States, earning multiple degrees in Political Science and related fields.
Azikiwe was one of the foremost leaders in Nigeria’s independence struggle. He co-founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), a major political party that fought for independence from Britain. Through the NCNC, he mobilized Nigerians across ethnic and regional lines to demand independence.
Before politics, he was a journalist and founded several newspapers, which he used to spread nationalist ideas. He founded and edited newspapers such as the West African Pilot (1937), which became the voice of anti-colonial struggle.
Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960. Azikiwe first became the Governor-General of Nigeria (1960–1963), the representative of the British Crown. and later the first ceremonial President of Nigeria (1963–1966) when Nigeria became a republic, cementing his role as a founding father of the country.
He is remembered as one of the founding fathers of Nigeria and a pan-Africanist who championed unity, education, and freedom across Africa.
He died on May 11, 1996, at the age of 91.
Many institutions, places, and landmarks in Nigeria are named after him, such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) in Awka, Anambra State and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
His writings criticized British colonial rule, educated Nigerians about their rights, and inspired mass movements for self-government.
Azikiwe worked closely with other African leaders and intellectuals to promote self-rule across Africa. He believed in a united Africa and influenced many young Africans to resist colonial rule.
He served in the colonial Legislative Council and later in regional government, where he pushed for constitutional reforms that gradually expanded Nigerian self-governance.
His pressure, along with that of other nationalist leaders, forced Britain to grant more political independence.
Zik, an Igbo man, built alliances across regions (north, west, and east) and was regarded as a unifying figure who emphasized “One Nigeria.” amidst all odds.
He helped negotiate the compromises that led to independence without violent revolution.
Summarily, Nnamdi Azikiwe gave Nigeria a voice through the press, built strong nationalist movements, pushed for constitutional reforms, promoted African unity, and became the symbolic leader of an independent Nigeria.
